Carmel Christian School would not be possible today without the overflow of support and work done by many hard-working individuals at Carmel Baptist Church over the years. For students, the church offers various resources to help them become more connected to the church and to strengthen their relationship in Christ. The ministry of the church is hard at work all around the building while Carmel’s students are in class. The Carmel Students team, in particular, work every day just behind the high school office.

The Carmel Student Ministry is a home to many students of Carmel Christian and many other schools. The lead team includes Ryan Jackson, Jason Salyer, Sophia Ferguson, and Megan Griggs. The team is also joined by numerous adult volunteers who lead discipleship communities and help put on various events. Ryan Jackson, the student pastor, stated, “Our desire is to teach [students] how to abide in Christ, build relationships with the lost and the found and live the gospel with everything.”

The team uses the acronym ABLE, which makes up one of the main missions of Carmel Baptist Church. Carmel’s student ministry has grown over the past five years, and a major part of this is how students have taken the initiative to invite others. Megan Griggs said, “We have a really consistent group of students that come to Midweek and Sunday mornings… now it’s like they just kept coming and inviting friends, and we’re just exploding as a ministry.” The post-COVID era of the student ministry has led to a time of immense growth and resulted in a strong group of students who are passionate about strengthening Christian community. Christopher Grace, senior student leader, stated, “The student ministry is a great time to spend with other students who are willing to take time out of their schedule to worship together.” High school students typically have incredibly busy schedules, but having a Christ-centered community has been a highlight for Grace and many others.

Jason Salyer is a familiar face to Carmel high school students. Salyer has spoken at two Windy Gap weeks, and he has made multiple appearances in chapel. When asked about his perspective on the Carmel student ministry, Salyer answered, “Anytime a light bulb goes off and someone takes step of faith into a deeper walk with Christ, meaning that they’re walking in obedience in a way that they weren’t before; they step out of a sin that was holding them back. They’re just simply doing what the greatest command expresses: to love God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. That shows there’s a movement of the heart.” It is evident that the lead team of Carmel Students is focused on the development of all 7th-12th graders who want to be involved.

Along with Sunday morning discipleship communities (9:30 AM and 11:00 AM) and Wednesday night Midweek (6:15 PM – 7:45 PM), Carmel offers many interesting opportunities for students. Will Irvin, sophomore student leader, said, “The 2024 fall Pause retreat was a highlight for me because of the worship and scripture we studied that weekend.” Also, Tristan Weaver, senior, said, “The 2024 summer camp was a really good time. There is so much that goes into the week, and every minute was a highlight.” Events like the fall retreat and summer camp are high points of the year for students, but it also has led to major spiritual impacts for many. Attending an event like this is an easy way to begin your journey in the student ministry. Sophia Ferguson, student discipleship minister, stated, “I think we have a lot of really awesome opportunities for students to come. You know, get their foot in the door. We try to be intentional.”

Click here for any extra information about Carmel’s student ministry, and click here for a list of all the upcoming events.

The student ministry of Carmel is growing every week, and the students and leaders could not be more excited for what is to come. Ryan Jackson stated, “Everybody has a place to belong.” Jackson explained that on the wall in the loft there are the large words “You Belong Here.” Carmel’s student ministry is not restricted to only members of Carmel Baptist, it is open to all. The lead team has expressed that they would love to see more faces from the student body of Carmel Christian. The Lord calls His people to be intentional in worship and studying the Bible, and this is best done in the community.

The Carmel Students team has asked for prayer in the areas of students living out the Gospel message, having the boldness to proclaim the Gospel message to those around them and cultivating a good relationship with God in their quiet times.

Try coming to Midweek or signing up for summer camp! The Carmel Student team is located within the school building every day, eager to answer any and all questions pertaining to more involvement with the many events and discipleship opportunities they provide. Don’t be shy to knock on their office door or send them an email. They’re here for the Carmel Christian students and beyond!